Delores C. Hodge

Delores C. Hodge was born July 26, 1929, in Oldenburg, Texas. Delores entered into eternal life on January 20, 2025, in Houston, Texas. Delores followed God’s footsteps and lived a beautiful fulfilling life. She lived each day grateful for the gift that God gave with His begotten Son Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, unwavering and faithful each step of the way.

Delores was the daughter of the late Mr. Obediah Dickerson and Lena Hayes. Delores was preceded in death by her 17 siblings. As a child Delores was outgoing, she did not meet a stranger, she loved being around people, and people loved her.

Delores met her husband the late Willie Melton, Jr. in La Grange, Texas. Willie Jr. and Delores had two children Carl Melton, Sr. (Samuella Barnum-Melton, spouse) and Wilma Jean Randle. They were a very loving and close-knit family. They truly enjoyed life with their family until the passing of Willie Melton, Jr. at

an unfortunate young age. Delores met her second husband the late James “Puddin” Hodge in Houston, Texas. James and Delores were known for their giving spirit, cooking, hosting gatherings, solos/duets at church, and the way they truly enjoyed life and each other.

Delores was very active in the church from a very young age. Delores went to Big Spring Hill Baptist Church. As an adult she continued to hold up the blood-stained banner and was very active in service within her church congregations over the years. Delores was a Stewardess President, Missionary, and Choir Director. She loved God, and there was nothing you could do about it.

Delores believed in service and had a strong work ethic. Delores worked as a Medical Lead at Golden Age Mannor, she later chose to embark on an entrepreneurial journey and obtained a Cosmetology license. She progressed her career and started her own Beauty Salon with several locations which spanned over 30 years. All her clients were like family, they laughed, shared life journey events, gave back to the community, and enriched so many lives. So many cosmetologists were blessed to work under her leadership, she mentored them and gave them an opportunity to grow and excel in their field.

Delores was a true definition of a virtuous woman. From her infectious smile, warm hearted spirit, take no nonsense attitude, unconditional love for others, unwavering service, her giving spirit, her dance moves/love for music, she was like no other. There is no doubt that her love for Jesus Christ, unceasing prayers, and wisdom, will keep her legacy going for many generations to come.

Left to cherish Delores’ memory is her son, Carl Melton, Sr. (Samuella Barnum-Melton); daughter Jean Randle; grandsons Jerol Patterson, Courtney Randle (Miesha Randle), Carl Melton, II; granddaughters Nicolle Chevis (Joseph Chevis); Rachika Dillard; LaKeisha Jones (Kelvin Jones, Sr.), Simone Smith (Travis Smith), Sasha Flanagan (Brandon Flanagan); great-grandsons Jhase Caleb Patterson, Kenneth Turner, Micah Smith, Kelvin Jones, Jr., Brandon Flanagan, Jr.; great-granddaughters Jory Chevis, Armani Dixon, Kelly Jones, McKenzie Buckner, Bayleigh Flanagan, Kaylie Jones, Savannah Flanagan; numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces & nephews, love ones and friends.